Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling-mounted air conditioners face challenges with condensate receiving structures that obstruct airflow and hinder downsizing due to their volume, causing resistance to air supply and increased occupancy space.
Innovation Solution
A condensate guide structure with a mesh design positioned below the heat exchanger guides condensate to a main drain while allowing air to pass through, reducing resistance and minimizing space occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wing-shaped condensate receiving structure is provided under the inclined heat exchanger to prevent condensate from falling to the ground surface, then condensate can be effectively collected, but the structure causes resistance to air supply and hinders downsizing of the air conditioner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a mesh structure with porous characteristics that allows air to pass through while preventing condensate from passing through. The mesh structure is configured with openings that are large enough to allow air flow but small enough to intercept and guide condensate droplets to the condensate receiving structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between air supply resistance and condensate collection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the space under the heat exchanger into multiple functional zones: an upper mesh structure zone for air filtration and condensate interception, and a lower condensate receiving structure zone for condensate collection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with the other, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a condensate receiving structure is provided to collect condensate from the heat exchanger, then condensate can be discharged to the outside, but the structure increases the volume occupied inside the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the condensate receiving structure is positioned within the space already defined by the housing and heat exchanger arrangement. The mesh structure is integrated into the existing structural framework, and the condensate receiving structure utilizes the vertical space under the heat exchanger, thereby minimizing additional volume occupation while maintaining the condensate discharge function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal expansion approach to a vertical arrangement by positioning the condensate receiving structure in the vertical space under the inclined heat exchanger. This dimensional change allows the condensate collection function to be achieved without increasing the horizontal footprint or overall housing volume, effectively resolving the contradiction between functional reliability and space occupancy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mesh structure effectively directs condensate to the main drain without obstructing airflow, enabling a more compact design and efficient air supply to the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
the mesh structure configured to allow air introduced from outside the air conditioner heading to the heat exchanger to pass therethrough and prevent the condensate from passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
condensate generated during heat exchange may build up on the surface of the heat exchanger and fall down
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner including a heat exchanger extending at an incline at a first angle from a ground, a main drain disposed adjacent to a lower end portion of the heat exchanger and configured to receive condensate from the heat exchanger, and a condensate guide structure disposed on a lower side of the heat exchanger and configured to guide the condensate from the heat exchanger toward the ground to the main drain, the condensate guide structure comprising a mesh structure configured to allow air introduced from outside the air conditioner heading to the heat exchanger to pass therethrough and prevent the condensate from passing therethrough.